Ralph Lloyd Darby, 83 of Florence, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023. There will be a graveside service on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Central Heights Community Cemetery.
Lloyd was a lifelong resident of Florence. He worked for many years with the Ford Local 255 and as an International Union Representative with the IUAW. He will be mostly remembered as a wonderful father, brother, and friend who was an amazing advocate for the less fortunate. He was a major contributor to many children in this area and organizations such as St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. Lloyd felt that his greatest accomplishment was helping people in need whether it was fairness in the workplace or simply putting food on their table. He had a strong belief and said in his last days that “a child should never go to bed hungry.” Not only did he feed many children, but also delivered toys at Christmas and never wanted any recognition. It’s been said that he could “talk the horns off a billy goat” and he loved Alabama Football. The biggest comfort to his family is that he told them many times that he was ready to go meet his maker and that he was at peace.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred Darby, and the mother of his children, Patricia Darby.
He is survived by his sons, Lloyd Blair Darby (Melissa) and Christopher Brent Darby; siblings, Helen Simmons, David Darby (Judy), and Joe Darby (Bonnie); grandchildren, Whitney McCreless (Chris), Nicole Terrell (Bo), Cory Darby (Sloane), and Christopher Darby; great grandchildren, Abbie McCreless, Charlee McCreless, Mason Terrell, Ivy Jade Darby, Ridge Terrell, Rhett McCreless, and Camden Darby; former daughter-in-law, Rosa Darby Pifer; and son by choice, Jay Merchant.
Pallbearers will be Blair Darby, Brent Darby, Cory Darby, Christopher Darby, Chris McCreless, and Bo Terrell.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital.
